It was exactly 365 days ago when I received a sudden invite from Marky to visit Malabon. It was on this same date, December 8, when I was all set up to start the first leg of my Christmas-Divisoria-invasion when I received a text message inviting me to witness the fluvial parade in Malabon City. So without any hesitation, I said “Yes”. So, again, I skipped my real plans for that day and found myself on a bus to Malabon.
F.Y.I.
A fluvial parade or PAGODA is an annual religious celebration in honor of the patroness of Malabon – Our Lady of Immaculate Conception. It is also a gesture of thanksgiving of fishermen for the bountiful fishing.
Amidst the strong rain, we headed to Malabon.…
Hmmm… It was after lunch time when we finally got to Malabon and met the parade’s organizer (quite too early since the Fluvial Parade in Malabon is being done at night). To kill time, instead of doing what travel bloggers love to do which is to compare prices and find cheap hotels, we decided to roam around the nearby ancestral houses.
Tsaran! I found this classic cam equipped w/ this huge flash.
picture grabbed from Nomadic Experiences
It was around 4pm when the locals started the procession. From the church, they carried the image of Malabon’s patroness, La Immaculada Concepcion to the Rufina Factory where a mass was held. During the procession, people were dancing and shouting with glee. (I kept a smile on my face, I loved how they preserved their culture and beliefs.)
La Immaculada Concepcion de Malabon was covered with plastic to protect Her from getting wet in the rain.
The patroness image is made of pure mahogany wood
Malabon’s Fluvial Parade is distinct since it is the only fluvial parade in the Philippines that is being held at night. So there I was in the middle of Navotas River, 24 Hours awake, sleepless but savoring my first PAGODA experience; I got mesmerized on the solemnity of the prayer during the fluvial parade.
First time to visit Malabon
First time to witness a fluvial parade
First time to attend the “Pista ng Mangingisda”
First time to witness a fluvial parade
First time to attend the “Pista ng Mangingisda”
What a great way to spend Immaculate Concepcion Day. 🙂
P.S. I didn’t tell my Mother I rode the PAGODA.
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